Campaign launched to improve road safety

A campaign to train police officers in traffic management to improve road safety and enforcement against drunken driving was launched here Monday.

The 'Road to Safety' programme, initiated by Diageo India Foundation and the Institute of Road Traffic Education (IRTE) was launched by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.

The programme will cover 30 cities across the country.

Its highlights include training and capacity building of enforcement agencies like traffic police; distribution of high quality breath alcohol analyzers; training drivers of commercial vehicles such as school buses, trucks and auto rickshaws; and educating university students over dangers of underage drinking.

"I hope this initiative will improve road safety in India and reduce the number of accidents in the country," Gadkari said while launching the programme.

Abanti Sankaranarayanan, Diageo India managing director, said the programme will focus on preventing driving under the influence of alcohol and underage drinking.

"Efforts to reduce consumption of alcohol will be effective only when the government, civil society, individuals and their family members will work together," said Sankaranarayanan.